THE LETTER THAT STARTED BALLY CORMAC

Dear Kissin Cousin:

The following is a brief summary of the minutes of the Bally Cormac committee to organize the first annual meeting of the clan.

Following a short prayer the committee got down to the business at hand which was as follows: "Let's have a meeting of the clan."

Therefore the following course of events was established as a guide for the clan gathering-- July 30, 1971, Friday -- registration, Bally Cormac estate-- at the stoned gate house.

We will most assuredly see that satisfactory, yeah!--appropriate sleeping and/or resting accommodations will be available for all. If there is no rain we are sure some of you will enjoy repose under a nearby tree. If weather prohibits this we, those in SL will share what we have regarding bed, board, and tea. However, assuming that a positive and overwhelming response is forthcoming to this announcement, we will have numerous persons related and closely related to see that all are satisfied in a fashion presently unknown nor appreciated by them.

As we indicated before, Friday night is only the beginning.

Saturday, July 31, 1971-
10:00 a.m. -- all gather at the Rowan Cottage for distribution of programs and individual responsibility.
12:00 noon -- the beach with favors for all -- swimming, sailing, talking, gossiping, laughing, song, etc.
5:00 p.m. -- supper on the hill
9:00 p.m. -- kids to bed
10:00 p.m. -- the adults over a brew or two will set forth in simple language the program for August 1 and August 2 -- this shall include of course physical, spiritual, emotional, sociopsychological and cultural pursuits.

We would like you to respond as indicated on the cover note and have included for your benefit sufficient copies to permit you to mail same to your first, second and other siblings.

We look forward to your attending this the first of the many clan gatherings we plan for the great number of years before us, and suggest that you come prepared to have a good time enjoying each others company as well as our enthusiasm for this initial, world resounding acknowledgment that we are a clan, that we should be proud of the fact, and that we should have gatherings like this to reinforce family and kinship ties.

As stated before come one and all and be assured that we shall include you as a member of the ad hoc committee to be formed on the afternoon of August 2, 1971 to arrange date and time and place, etc. of next year's gathering. As you can already [see] the place is quite simple, the only problem will be your determination of date and time.

Sincerely,
John E. Rowan
Robert E. Williford
William A. Williford